X-ray apparatus and method of operating the same

ABSTRACT

Provided are an X-ray apparatus and a method of operating the same. An embodiment provides an X-ray apparatus that displays position information regarding a plurality of X-ray detectors and a method of operating the same. The X-ray apparatus includes a plurality of X-ray detectors, a plurality of mounts to which the plurality of X-ray detectors are mounted, and a work station. The plurality of X-ray detectors include light emitting elements that emit light of colors different from one another, the plurality of mounts include a plurality of light detectors that sense colors of light emitted by the light emitting elements and are disposed apart from one another, respectively. The workstation includes a controller that obtains positional information regarding the plurality of X-ray detectors based on colors of light sensed by the light detectors respectively included in the plurality of mounts.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application is related to and claims the benefit of KoreanPatent Application No. 10-2016-0092897, filed on Jul. 21, 2016, in theKorean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an X-ray apparatus and a method ofoperating the same, and more particularly, to an X-ray apparatus forproviding a user with information regarding a position of an X-raydetector used for X-ray scanning and a direction in which the X-raydetector is mounted to a frame of the X-ray apparatus, and a method ofoperating the same.

BACKGROUND

An X-ray is an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength from about 0.01to about 100 angstrom (Å) and can be used to obtain the internalstructure of an object. Therefore, X-ray devices are widely used forphotographing the inside of a living body or for common non-destructiveindustrial inspection.

The basic principle of a photographing device using X-rays is totransmit X-rays emitted by an X-ray tube (or an X-ray source) to atarget object and detect a difference in the intensity of thetransmitted X-rays via an X-ray detector and thus obtain the internalstructure of the target object. When an X-ray apparatus includes aplurality of X-ray detectors, it is necessary for a user to check whichof the X-ray detectors is mounted to a frame of the X-ray apparatus or adirection the corresponding X-ray detector is mounted to the frame ofthe X-ray apparatus.

SUMMARY

To address the above-discussed deficiencies, it is a primary object toprovide an X-ray apparatus including a plurality of X-ray detectors, theX-ray apparatus having high user's convenience by providing positionalinformation regarding the plurality of X-ray detectors to a user takingan X-ray image of a target object by using the plurality of X-raydetectors.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may belearned by practice of the presented embodiments.

According to an aspect of an embodiment, an X-ray apparatus includes aplurality of X-ray detectors, a plurality of mounts to which theplurality of X-ray detectors are mounted, and a work station. Theplurality of X-ray detectors include light emitting elements that emitlight of colors different from one another, the plurality of mountsinclude a plurality of light detectors that sense colors of lightemitted by the light emitting elements and are disposed apart from oneanother, respectively. The workstation includes a controller thatobtains positional information regarding the plurality of X-raydetectors based on colors of light sensed by the light detectorsrespectively included in the plurality of mounts.

For example, the light emitting elements may include light emittingdiodes (LED) and are arranged on first sides of the plurality of X-raydetectors, respectively.

For example, the plurality of mounts may include a stand-type mount or atable-type mount, and the controller may obtain information regarding atleast one of a position of a first X-ray detector mounted to thestand-type mount, a position of a second X-ray detector mounted to thetable-type mount, and a position of a third X-ray detector mounted toneither the stand-type mount nor the table-type mount.

For example, the workstation may further include a display fordisplaying positional information regarding the plurality of X-raydetectors in a user interface (UI) including at least one of letters,numbers, symbols, colors, and images.

For example, the workstation may further include a user input unit forreceiving a user input for selecting a scan mode for performing X-rayscanning using any one of a stand-type mount, a table-type mount, and aportable type X-ray detector, and the controller may recognize positionof the X-ray detector, which indicates whether an X-ray detector ismounted to a mount according to the scan mode selected based on the userinput, and determine whether it is possible to perform X-rayphotographing according to the scan mode selected based on the userinput, based on the recognized position of the X-ray detector.

For example, the display may display information indicating thedetermined X-ray scan possibility via the user interface.

For example, each of the plurality of X-ray detectors may furtherinclude a communicator for transmitting identification informationregarding each of the plurality of X-ray detectors to the workstation,and the identification information may include at least one of uniqueinformation including at least one of MAC addresses and serial numbersof the plurality of X-ray detectors and specification informationincluding at least one of sizes of the plurality of X-ray detectors andtypes of mounts for mounting the plurality of X-ray detectors.

For example, the workstation may further include a communicator forreceiving identification information from each of the plurality of X-raydetectors, and the controller may assign different colors of light tothe plurality of X-ray detectors according to the identificationinformation, respectively.

For example, the communicator may transmit information regarding theassigned colors of light to the plurality of X-ray detectors,respectively, and the light emitting elements included in the pluralityof X-ray detectors may respectively emit light of colors according tothe information regarding the assigned colors of light transmitted fromthe workstation.

For example, the plurality of light detectors may sense intensity oflight emitted by the light emitting elements and, based on intensity oflight sensed by a first light detector disposed at a location to face afirst side of a first X-ray detector mounted to a first mount from amongthe plurality of light detectors included in the first mount, thecontroller may obtain information regarding a direction in which thefirst X-ray detector is mounted to the first mount.

For example, the controller may obtain mounting direction informationindicating whether the first X-ray detector is mounted to the firstmount in the landscape-direction or the portrait-direction.

Each of the plurality of X-ray detectors may further include areflective member that is disposed adjacent to the light emittingelement, the plurality of mounts may further include a plurality oflight sources that are respectively disposed adjacent to the pluralityof light detectors and emit light, and the controller may obtaininformation regarding intensity of light that is emitted by a pluralityof light sources included in the first mount from among the plurality oflight sources and reflected by the reflective member disposed on thefirst side of the first X-ray detector mounted to the first mount from alight sensor of the first mount and recognize a direction in which thefirst X-ray detector is mounted to the first mount based on theinformation regarding the intensity of the light.

According to an aspect of another embodiment, a method of operating anX-ray apparatus is provided that includes a plurality of X-raydetectors, a plurality of mounts to which the plurality of X-raydetectors are mounted, and a work station. The method includes receivinginformation regarding colors of light emitted by a plurality of lightemitting elements respectively included in the plurality of X-raydetectors from a plurality of light detectors respectively included inthe plurality of mounts. The method also includes obtaining positionalinformation regarding the plurality of X-ray detectors based on thereceived information regarding the colors of light. The method alsoincludes displaying the positional information regarding the pluralityof X-ray detectors in a user interface (UI) including at least one ofletters, numbers, symbols, colors, and images.

For example, the plurality of mounts may include a stand-type mount or atable-type mount and, in the obtaining of the positional informationregarding the plurality of X-ray detectors, information regarding atleast one of a position of a first X-ray detector mounted to thestand-type mount, a position of a second X-ray detector mounted to thetable-type mount, and a position of a third X-ray detector mounted toneither the stand-type mount nor the table-type mount may be obtained.

For example, the method may further include receiving a user input forselecting a scan mode for performing X-ray scanning using any one of astand-type mount, a table-type mount, and a portable type X-raydetector; recognizing position of the X-ray detector, which indicateswhether an X-ray detector is mounted to a mount according to the scanmode selected based on the user input; and determining whether it ispossible to perform X-ray scanning according to the scan mode selectedbased on the user input, based on the recognized position of the X-raydetector.

For example, the method may further include displaying informationindicating the determined X-ray scan possibility via the user interface.

For example, the method may further include receiving identificationinformation regarding each of the plurality of X-ray detectors from theplurality of X-ray detectors, wherein the identification information mayinclude at least one of unique information including at least one of MACaddresses and serial numbers of the plurality of X-ray detectors andspecification information including at least one of sizes of theplurality of X-ray detectors and types of mounts for mounting theplurality of X-ray detectors.

For example, the method may further include assigning different colorsof light to the plurality of X-ray detectors according to theidentification information, respectively; and transmitting informationregarding the assigned colors of light to the plurality of X-raydetectors, respectively.

For example, the method may further include sensing intensity of lightemitted by the light emitting elements; and, based on the sensedintensity of light, obtaining information regarding directions in whichthe plurality of X-ray detectors are mounted to the plurality of mounts.

For example, in the obtaining of the information regarding thedirections in which the plurality of X-ray detectors are mounted to theplurality of mounts, mounting direction information indicating whetherthe first X-ray detector is mounted to the first mount in thelandscape-direction or the portrait-direction may be obtained.

According to an aspect of another embodiment, there is provided anon-transitory computer readable recording medium having recordedthereon a computer program for implementing the above described method.

Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may beadvantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases usedthroughout this patent document: the terms “include” and “comprise,” aswell as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term“or,” is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases “associated with” and“associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean toinclude, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be containedwithin, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with,cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to orwith, have, have a property of, or the like; and the term “controller”means any device, system or part thereof that controls at least oneoperation, such a device may be implemented in hardware, firmware orsoftware, or some combination of at least two of the same. It should benoted that the functionality associated with any particular controllermay be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely.Definitions for certain words and phrases are provided throughout thispatent document, those of ordinary skill in the art should understandthat in many, if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior, aswell as future uses of such defined words and phrases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and itsadvantages, reference is now made to the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like referencenumerals represent like parts:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective diagram showing a configuration of anX-ray apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a portable X-ray detectoraccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a mobile X-ray apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram showing configuration of an X-rayapparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an X-ray detector according toan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6A illustrates a diagram for describing a method of mounting anX-ray detector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure to astand-type mount, and FIG. 6B illustrates a diagram for describing amethod of mounting an X-ray detector according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure to a table-type mount;

FIGS. 7A through 7D illustrate diagrams for describing a method formounting an X-ray detector according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure to a mount;

FIG. 8 illustrates a method of providing positional informationregarding a plurality of X-ray detectors according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram showing the configuration of an X-rayapparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates a method used by an X-ray apparatus according to anembodiment to provide positional information regarding a plurality ofX-ray detectors;

FIG. 11A illustrates a diagram showing a workstation according to anembodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 11B illustrates a diagramshowing a user interface via which the workstation shown in FIG. 11Adisplays positional information regarding a plurality of X-raydetectors;

FIGS. 12A through 12D illustrate diagrams for describing a method usedby an X-ray detector according to an embodiment to determine whetherX-ray scanning may be performed according to a scan mode selected basedon a user input;

FIG. 13 illustrates a method by which an X-ray detector according to anembodiment determines whether X-ray scanning may be performed accordingto a scan mode selected based on a user input; and

FIG. 14 illustrates a diagram for describing a method of mounting anX-ray detector to a mount, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 through 14, discussed below, and the various embodiments used todescribe the principles of the present disclosure in this patentdocument are by way of illustration only and should not be construed inany way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the artwill understand that the principles of the present disclosure may beimplemented in any suitably arranged electronic device.

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of whichare illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like referencenumerals refer to like elements throughout. In this regard, the presentembodiments may have different forms and should not be construed asbeing limited to the descriptions set forth herein. Accordingly, theembodiments are merely described below, by referring to the figures, toexplain aspects. Expressions such as “at least one of,” when preceding alist of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modifythe individual elements of the list.

While the present disclosure will be particularly shown and describedwith reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understoodthat the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments,but, alternatively, is intended to cover various modifications andequivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure. The disclosed embodiments may be implemented invarious forms.

Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout thespecification. This specification does not describe all the elements ofthe embodiments, and duplicate contents of the general contents orembodiments in the technical field of the present disclosure will beomitted. The terms “part” and “portion” as used herein may be embodiedin software or hardware. According to embodiments, a plurality of“parts” or “portions” may be embodied as a single unit or a singleelement. Alternatively, a single ‘part’ or a single ‘portion’ mayinclude a plurality of units or a plurality of elements. Hereinafter,the working principle and embodiments of the present disclosure will bedescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the present specification, an image may include a medical imageobtained by a medical scanning apparatus, such as a magnetic resonancephotographing (MRI) apparatus, a computed tomography (CT) apparatus, anultrasound photographing apparatus, or an X-ray photographing apparatus.

In this specification, an ‘object’ is an object of photography and maybe a person, an animal, or a part thereof. For example, the object mayinclude a part of the body (an internal organ) or a phantom.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective diagram showing a configuration of anX-ray apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The X-ray apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 is a fixed X-rayapparatus, as an example. However, the present disclosure is not limitedthereto.

Referring to FIG. 1, the X-ray apparatus 100 may include an X-rayirradiator 110 for generating and irradiating an X-ray, an X-raydetector 200 for detecting an X-ray that is irradiated from the X-rayirradiator and transmitted through an object, and a workstation 180 thatreceives a command from a user and provides information to the user. TheX-ray apparatus 100 may include a controller 120 for controlling theX-ray apparatus 100 according to an input command and a communicator 140for communicating with an external apparatus.

Some or all of the components of the controller 120 and the communicator140 may be included in the workstation 180 or provided separately fromthe workstation 180.

The X-ray irradiator 110 may include an X-ray source for generating anX-ray and a collimator for adjusting an irradiation area of the X-raygenerated by the X-ray source.

A guide rail 30 may be installed on the ceiling of an examination roomwhere the X-ray apparatus 100 is disposed. The X-ray irradiator 110 maybe moved to a location corresponding to location of a target object P byconnecting the X-ray irradiator 110 to a moving carriage 40 moving alongthe guide rail 30. The moving carriage 40 and the X-ray irradiator 110may be connected to each other through a foldable post frame 50, suchthat the height of the X-ray irradiator 110 may be adjusted.

The workstation 180 may include an input unit 181 for receiving commandsfrom a user and a display 182 for displaying information.

The input unit 181 may receive commands regarding a scanning protocol,scanning conditions, scanning timing, a position control of the X-rayirradiator 110, etc. The input unit 181 may include a keyboard, a mouse,a touch screen, a voice recognizer, etc.

The display 182 may display a screen image for guiding an input of auser, an X-ray image, a screen image showing the state of the X-rayapparatus 100, etc.

The controller 120 may control a scanning timing and scanning conditionsof the X-ray irradiator 110 according to a command input from the userand may generate a medical image using image data received from theX-ray detector 200. Furthermore, the controller 120 may control theposition or posture of mounts 14 and 24 to which the X-ray irradiator110 or the X-ray detector 200 is mounted according to the scanningprotocol and a position of the target object P.

The controller 120 may include a memory for storing a program forperforming the above-described operation and other operations and aprocessor for executing the stored program. The controller 120 mayinclude a single processor or a plurality of processors. In the latterexample, a plurality of processors may be integrated on a single chip ormay be physically separated from one another.

The X-ray apparatus 100 may be connected to an external device (e.g., anexternal server 310, a medical device 320, and a mobile terminal 330(e.g., a smart phone, a tablet PC, a wearable device, etc.)) via thecommunicator 140 and transmit or receive data.

The communicator 140 may include at least one component that enablescommunication with an external device. For example, the communicator 140may include at least one of a short-range communication module, a wiredcommunication module, and a wireless communication module.

Furthermore, the communicator 140 may receive a control signal from anexternal device and transmit the received control signal to thecontroller 120, such that the controller 120 controls the X-rayapparatus 100 according to the received control signal.

Furthermore, the controller 120 may control an external device accordingto the control signal of the controller 120 by transmitting a controlsignal to the external device through the communicator 140. For example,the external device may process data of the external device according tothe control signal of the controller 120 received via the communicator140.

Furthermore, the communicator 140 may further include an internalcommunication module that enables communication among the components ofthe X-ray apparatus 100. Since a program for controlling the X-rayapparatus 100 may be installed on the external device, the program mayinclude an instruction for performing some or all of the operations ofthe controller 120.

The program may be installed in the mobile terminal 330 in advance orthe user of the mobile terminal 330 may download the program from theserver that provides applications and install the program. The serverproviding applications may include a recording medium in which theprogram is stored.

The X-ray detector 200 may be a fixed X-ray detector fixed to a stand 20or a table 10, may be detachably mounted to the mounts 14 and 24, or maybe a portable X-ray detector that may be used at an arbitrary location.When the X-ray detector 200 is a portable X-ray detector, the X-raydetector 200 may be of a wire type or a wireless type depending on datatransmission methods and power supply methods.

The X-ray detector 200 may be included as an element of the X-rayapparatus 100 or may not be included. In the latter example, the X-raydetector 200 may be registered to the X-ray apparatus 100 by a user.Furthermore, in both examples, the X-ray detector 200 may be connectedto the controller 120 through the communicator 140 and receive a controlsignal or transmit image data.

A sub-user interface 80 for providing information to a user andreceiving a command from a user may be provided at one end of the X-rayirradiator 110, where some or all of functions to be performed by theinput unit 181 and the display 182 of the workstation 180 may beperformed by the sub-user interface 80.

When all or some of the components of the controller 120 and thecommunicator 140 are provided separately from the workstation 180, thecomponents may be included in the sub-user interface 80 provided in theX-ray irradiator 110.

Although FIG. 1 shows a fixed X-ray apparatus connected to the ceilingof an examination room, the X-ray apparatus 100 may have variousstructures within a range that is obvious to one of ordinary skill inthe art, such as a C-arm type X-ray apparatus and a mobile X-rayapparatus.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a portable X-ray detectoraccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As described above, the X-ray detector 200 used in the X-ray apparatus100 may be implemented as a portable X-ray detector. In this example,the X-ray detector 200 may include a battery for supplying power andoperate wirelessly. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2, the X-raydetector 200 may operate as a charging port 201 is connected to aseparate power supply unit by a cable C.

Inside a case 203 constituting the outer appearance of the X-raydetector 200, a detection element for detecting an X-ray and convertingthe X-ray into image data, a memory for temporarily or non-temporarilystoring the image data, a communication module for receiving a controlsignal from the X-ray apparatus 100 or transmitting image data to theX-ray apparatus 100, and a battery may be provided. Furthermore, imagecorrection information regarding the X-ray detector 200 and uniqueidentification information regarding the X-ray detector 200 may bestored in the memory, and identification information stored duringcommunication with the X-ray apparatus 100 may be transmitted togetherwith the image correction information regarding the X-ray detector 200and the unique identification information regarding the X-ray detector200.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a mobile X-ray apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 denote the samefunctions, and thus redundant description of the reference numerals inFIG. 1 will be omitted.

An X-ray apparatus may be implemented not only as the ceiling type asdescribed above, but also as a mobile type. When the X-ray apparatus 100is implemented as a mobile X-ray apparatus, a main body 101 to which theX-ray irradiator 110 is connected may freely move and the an arm 103interconnecting the X-ray irradiator 110 and the main body 101 may alsobe rotated and linearly move, and thus the X-ray irradiator 110 mayfreely move in the three-dimensional space.

The main body 101 may include a storage 105 for storing the X-raydetector 200. Furthermore, a charging terminal capable of charging theX-ray detector 200 is provided in the storage 105, such that the X-raydetector 200 may be stored while being charged.

An input unit 151, a display 152, the controller 120, and thecommunicator 140 may be provided in the main body 101. Image dataobtained by the X-ray detector 200 may be transmitted to the main body101 and displayed on the display 152 or transmitted to an externaldevice through the communicator 140.

In one example embodiment, the controller 120 and the communicator 140may be provided separately from the main body 101 and only some of thecomponents of the controller 120 and the communicator 140 may beprovided in the main body 101.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram showing configuration of an X-rayapparatus 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4, the X-ray apparatus 400 may include a plurality ofX-ray detectors 411, 412, and 413, a plurality of mounts 431 and 432,and a workstation 450.

The plurality of X-ray detectors 411, 412, and 413 may include lightemitting elements 421, 422, and 423, respectively. The first X-raydetector 411 may include a first light emitting element 421, the secondX-ray detector 412 may include a second light emitting element 422, andthe third X-ray detector 413 may include a third light emitting element421. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the firstlight emitting element 421, the second light emitting element 422, andthe third light emitting element 423 may include light emitting diodes(LED), but embodiments are not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first lightemitting element 421, the second light emitting element 422, and thethird light emitting element 423 may emit light of different colors. Forexample, the first light emitting element 421 may emit red light, thesecond light emitting element 422 may emit yellow light, and the thirdlight emitting element 423 may emit blue light. According to anembodiment of the present disclosure, colors of the light emitted by theplurality of light emitting elements 421, 422, and 423 may be assignedby the workstation 450. Detailed descriptions thereof will be givenbelow with reference to FIG. 9.

A plurality of X-ray detectors 411, 412, and 413 may be mounted to theplurality of mounts 431 and 432, respectively. According to anembodiment of the present disclosure, the first mount 431 may be atable-type mount, whereas the second mount 432 may be a stand-typemount. The table-type mount may be identical to the mount 14 of FIG. 1,whereas the stand-type mount may be identical to the mount 24 of FIG. 1.

The first X-ray detector 411 may be mounted to the first mount 431 andthe second X-ray detector 412 may be mounted to the second mount 432.According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the third X-raydetector 413 may be a portable X-ray detector that is not mounted to anymount. The third X-ray detector 413 may be implemented as a wired typeor a wireless type according to data transmission methods and powersupply methods.

The plurality of mounts 431 and 432 may include a plurality of lightdetectors 441 and 442, respectively. According to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the first mount 431 may include the plurality oflight detectors 441, whereas the second mount 432 may include theplurality of light detectors 442. The plurality of light detectors 441may sense the color of light emitted by the first light emitting element421 included in the first X-ray detector 411 mounted to the first mount431. In the same regard, the plurality of light detectors 442 may sensethe intensity of light and color of light emitted by the second lightemitting element 422 included in the second X-ray detector 412 mountedto the second mount 432.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality ofmounts 431 and 432 may transmit information about the color of the lightsensed by the plurality of light detectors 441 and 442 respectivelyincluded in of the mounts 431 and 432 to the workstation 450. Accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure, the third X-ray detector 413is not mounted to the first mount 431 and the second mount 432 and maytransmit identification information or positional information directlyto the workstation 450. The identification information may include atleast one of unique information including at least one of a MAC addressand a serial number of the third X-ray detector 413 and specificationinformation, such as size and dimension of the third X-ray detector 413.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality oflight detectors 441 and 442 respectively included in the plurality ofmounts 431 and 432 may sense the intensity of light emitted by the lightemitting elements 421, 422, and 423. The plurality of mounts 431 and 432may transmit information regarding the sensed intensity of the light tothe workstation 450.

The workstation 450 may include a controller 452 and a display 454. Thecontroller 452 may obtain positional information regarding the pluralityof X-ray detectors 411 and 412 based on information on color of lightreceived from the plurality of mounts 431 and 432. The controller 452may also receive identification information and positional informationfrom the third X-ray detector 413 and obtain positional informationregarding the third X-ray detector 413 based on the receivedidentification information and the received positional information.According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 452may obtain at least one positional information from among the positionof the first X-ray detector 411 mounted to the first mount 431, which isa table-type mount, the position of the second X-ray detector 411mounted to the second mount 432, and the position of the third X-raydetector 413, which is not mounted to any one of the first mount 431 andthe second mount 432.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 452may be configured to include a memory for storing a program thatimplements an algorithm for obtaining positional information regardingthe plurality of X-ray detectors 411, 412, 413 and a processor forexecuting the stored program. For example, the controller 452 may beimplemented as at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), agraphic processing unit (GPU), and a microprocessor. According to anembodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 452 may beconfigured with hardware such as an FPGA or an ASIC.

The display 454 may display the positional information regarding theplurality of X-ray detectors 411, 412, and 413 in a user interface (UI)including at least one of letters, numbers, symbols, colors, and images.According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display 454may display information indicating whether a particular X-ray detectorfrom among the first through third X-ray detectors 411, 412, and 413 ismounted to the first mount 431 or the second mount 432 or is used as anunattached portable X-ray detector with an icon. According to anembodiment of the present disclosure, the display 454 may displayinformation regarding a particular direction in which the particularX-ray detector is inserted to the mount with an icon.

The display 454 may include at least one of a CRT display, an LCDdisplay, a PDP display, an OLED display, a FED display, an LED display,a VFD display, a digital light processing (DLP) display, a flat paneldisplay, a 3D display, and a transparent display, but is not limitedthereto.

During an X-ray scanning of a target object using the X-ray apparatus400 including the plurality of X-ray detectors 411, 412, and 413, typeof a mount to which an X-ray detector is to be mounted may differaccording to scanning protocols, types of the target object, locationsof the target object, etc. In this example, it is necessary for a userto check whether a particular one of the plurality of X-ray detectors411, 412, and 413 is mounted to a particular mount, e.g., a table-typemount or a stand-type mount. Furthermore, the user may use a particularX-ray detector as a portable X-ray detector to photograph the object.The X-ray apparatus 400 according to an embodiment obtains positionalinformation regarding the plurality of X-ray detectors 411, 412 and 413and displays the positional information in the form of a user interface,and thus a user may intuitively grasp a particular mounted portion towhich a particular X-ray detector is mounted or whether the particularX-ray detector is used as a portable X-ray detector. Therefore, theX-ray apparatus 400 according to an embodiment may improve userconvenience and may prevent a false irradiation to a wrong X-raydetector or an over-irradiation.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an X-ray detector 500 accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 5, the X-ray detector 500 may be attached ordetachably mounted to a stand 630 (i.e., stand-type mount) (see FIG. 6A)or a table—640 (i.e., table-type mount) (see FIG. 6B) or may also beimplemented as a handheld X-ray detector that may be carried and used.The X-ray detector 500 may be implemented in a rectangularparallelepiped shape in which the length of a second surface 502 isgreater than the length of a first surface 501. A light emitting element510 may be disposed on a first side of the second surface 502 of theX-ray detector 500. Although FIG. 5 shows that the X-ray detector 500includes a handle 520, the handle 520 is disposed on the first surface501, and the light emitting element 510 is disposed on the secondsurface 502, it is merely an example. The light emitting element 510 maybe disposed on any side surface of the X-ray detector 500 and is notlimited to that shown in FIG. 5.

The light emitting element 510 may emit light of a particular color.According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the light emittingelement 510 may include a light emitting diode (LED), but is not limitedthereto. For example, the light emitting element 510 may include a laserdiode (LD) or a solid laser.

FIG. 6A illustrates a diagram for describing a method of mounting theX-ray detector 500 according to an embodiment to a stand-type mount600A, and FIG. 6B illustrates a diagram for describing a method ofmounting the X-ray detector 500 to a table-type mount 600B.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the stand-type mount 600A may include a mount 610,a plurality of light detectors 620, and a stand 630. According to anembodiment of the present disclosure, the stand-type mount 600A mayfurther include a rail that may adjust position of the mount 610 invertical directions along the z-axis.

The mount 610 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape, a firstinsertion opening 612 may be disposed on the top surface of the mount610, and a second insertion opening 614 may be disposed on the rightside surface of the mount 610. The X-ray detector 500 may be insertedinto the first insertion opening 612 (i.e., insertion port) in aportrait orientation in direction A along the Z-axis and coupled to themount 610. Furthermore, the X-ray detector 500 may be inserted into thesecond insertion opening 614 in a landscape orientation in direction Balong the Y-axis and coupled to the mount 610.

The plurality of light detectors 620 may be disposed on a surface facingthe stand 630 from between the two largest surfaces of the mount 610.According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality oflight detectors 620 may include the four light detectors 620. Any one ofthe plurality of light detectors 620 may be located at a position atwhich the corresponding light detectors 620 faces the light emittingelement 510 disposed on a first side of the X-ray detector 500 mountedto the stand-type mount 600A. Detailed description thereof will be givenbelow with reference to FIGS. 7A through 7D.

Referring to FIG. 6B, the table-type mount 600B may include a mount 640,a plurality of light detectors 650, and a table 660. According to anembodiment of the present disclosure, the table-type mount 600B mayfurther include a rail capable of adjusting position of the mount 640along the x-axis direction.

The mount 640 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and an insertionopening 642 may be disposed on the front surface. The X-ray detector 500may be inserted in the direction A in the portrait orientation or in thedirection B in the landscape orientation along the y-axis into theinsertion opening 642 (i.e., insertion port) and coupled with the mount640.

The plurality of light detectors 650 may be disposed apart from oneanother on the bottom surface of the mount 640. According to anembodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of light detectors650 may include the four light detectors 650. Any one of the pluralityof light detectors 650 may be disposed at a location at which thecorresponding light detector 650 faces the light emitting element 510disposed at the first side of the X-ray detector 500 mounted to thetable-type mount 600B.

FIGS. 7A through 7D illustrate diagrams for describing a method formounting an X-ray detector 700 according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure to a mount 710. FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams showing astructure in which the X-ray detector 700 is inserted into the mount 710in the direction A in the portrait orientation, and FIGS. 7C and 7D arediagrams showing the structure in which the X-ray detector 700 isinserted in the direction B in the landscape orientation. Referring toFIGS. 7A through 7D, a plurality of light detectors 711, 712, 713, and714 may be included in the mount 710. The plurality of light detectors711, 712, 713, and 714 may include the four light detectors 711, 712,713, and 714 and may be disposed apart from one another.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of theplurality of light detectors 711, 712, 713, and 714 may include a lightcolor sensor that detects the color of light emitted by the lightemitting element 701. According to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, each of the plurality of light detectors 711, 712, 713, and714 may further include a light intensity sensor that detects anintensity of light emitted by the light emitting element 701.

Referring to FIG. 7A, the X-ray detector 700 may be inserted into themount 710 in the direction A in the portrait orientation. The lightemitting element 701 may be disposed at the first side of the X-raydetector 700. The light emitting element 701 may be arranged to face thefirst light detector 711 according to the direction in which the X-raydetector 700 is inserted into the mount 710. According to an embodimentof the present disclosure, the first light detector 711 may sense colorof light emitted by the light emitting element 701. The first lightdetector 711 may recognize the X-ray detector 700 mounted to the mount710 based on the sensed color of the light.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, thefirst light detector 711 from among the plurality of light detectors711, 712, 713, and 714 may sense intensity of light emitted by the lightemitting element 701, whereas the second through fourth light detectors712 through 714 may not be able to sense an intensity of light or mayonly be able to detect very weak light. Therefore, the plurality oflight detectors 711, 712, 713, and 714 may recognize a direction inwhich the X-ray detector 700 is inserted into the mount 710. In FIG. 7A,the X-ray detector 700 may be inserted into the mount 710 in thedirection A in the portrait orientation.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7B, the X-ray detector 700 is insertedinto the mount 710 in the direction A in the portrait orientation asshown in FIG. 7A. However, unlike in FIG. 7A, the X-ray detector 700 maybe turned upside down and inserted into the mount 710. In this example,the light emitting element 701 disposed at the first side of the X-raydetector 700 may be located to face the third light detector 713 fromamong the plurality of light detectors 711, 712, 713, and 714. Accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure, the third light detector 713may sense color of light emitted by the light emitting element 701. Thethird light detector 713 may recognize the X-ray detector 700 mounted tothe mount 710 based on the sensed color of the light.

The third light detector 713 from among the plurality of light detectors711, 712, 713 and 714 may senses intensity of light emitted by the lightemitting element 701, whereas the first light detector 711, the secondlight detector 712, and the fourth light detector 714 may not be able tosense intensity of light or may only detect very weak light. Therefore,the plurality of light detectors 711, 712, 713, and 714 may recognize adirection in which the X-ray detector 700 is inserted into the mount710.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7C, the X-ray detector 700 is insertedinto the mount 710 in the direction B in the landscape orientation. Thelight emitting element 701 disposed at the first side of the X-raydetector 700 may be located to face the second light detector 712 fromamong the plurality of light detectors 711, 712, 713, and 714. Accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second light detector712 may sense color of light emitted by the light emitting element 701.The second light detector 712 may recognize the X-ray detector 700mounted to the mount 710 based on the sensed color of the light.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, theplurality of light detectors 711, 712, 713, and 714 may recognize adirection in which the X-ray detector 700 is inserted into the mount710. The method by which the plurality of light detectors 711, 712, 713,and 714 recognize a direction in which the X-ray detector 700 isinserted into the mount 710 is identical to the method described abovewith reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, detailed description thereof will beomitted.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7D, the X-ray detector 700 is insertedin the direction B in the landscape orientation into the mount 710. Thelight emitting element 701 disposed at the first side of the X-raydetector 700 may be located to face the fourth light detector 714 fromamong the plurality of light detectors 711, 712, 713, and 714. Accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fourth light detector714 may sense color of light emitted by the light emitting element 701.The fourth light detector 714 may recognize the X-ray detector 700mounted to the mount 710 based on the sensed color of the light.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, theplurality of light detectors 711, 712, 713, and 714 may recognize adirection in which the X-ray detector 700 is inserted into the mount710. The method by which the plurality of light detectors 711, 712, 713,and 714 recognize a direction in which the X-ray detector 700 isinserted into the mount 710 is identical to the method described abovewith reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, detailed description thereof will beomitted.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method of providing positional informationregarding a plurality of X-ray detectors according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

In operation S810, an X-ray apparatus receives color informationregarding light emitted by light emitting elements included in aplurality of X-ray detectors from a plurality of light detectorsincluded in the plurality of mounts, respectively. The light emittingelements may emit light of different colors according to the pluralityof X-ray detectors including the light emitting elements. According toan embodiment of the present disclosure, the X-ray apparatus may includea workstation. The plurality of light detectors may sense colors oflight emitted by the light emitting elements, and the plurality ofmounts may transmit information regarding the colors of the light sensedby the light detector to the workstation.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality ofmounts may include stand-type mounts or table-type mounts. According toan embodiment of the present disclosure, a portable X-ray detector maynot be mounted to any of the stand-type mounts and the table-typemounts. In this example, the workstation may receive positionalinformation from the portable X-ray detector.

In operation S820, the X-ray apparatus obtains positional informationregarding the plurality of X-ray detectors based on the colorinformation regarding light. According to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the workstation included in the X-ray apparatus may receivecolor information regarding light emitted by the light emitting elementsof the X-ray detector from the plurality of mounts. According to anembodiment of the present disclosure, the workstation may obtainpositional information related to the coupling of the first X-raydetector with the stand-type mount or the coupling of the second X-raydetector with the table-type mount. Furthermore, the workstation maydirectly obtain positional information regarding the third X-raydetector from the third X-ray detector operating as a portable X-raydetector.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the workstationmay sense a direction in which the first X-ray detector is mounted tothe stand-type mount based on intensity of light received by the lightdetector that is located to face the first side of the first type X-raydetector mounted to the stand-type mount. In the same regard, theworkstation may obtain information regarding a direction in which thesecond X-ray detector is mounted to the table-type mount based onintensity of light received by the light detector that is located toface the first side of the second type X-ray detector mounted to thetable-type mount.

In operation S830, the X-ray apparatus displays positional informationregarding the plurality of X-ray detectors in the form of a userinterface (UI). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure,the X-ray apparatus may include a display, and the display may displaypositional information regarding the plurality of X-ray detectors in theform of a UI including at least one of letters, numbers, symbols,colors, and images. According to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the workstation may display information regarding directionsin which the plurality of X-ray detectors is mounted to the plurality ofmounts in the form of a UI.

FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram showing the configuration of an X-rayapparatus 900 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 9, the X-ray apparatus 900 may include a plurality ofX-ray detectors 911, 912, and 913, a plurality of mounts 941 and 942,and a workstation 970. The plurality of X-ray detectors 911, 912 and 913may be identical to the plurality of X-ray detectors 411, 412 and 413shown in FIG. 4, and the plurality of mounts 941 and 942 may beidentical to the plurality of the mounts 431 shown in FIG. 4. Therefore,redundant descriptions of the plurality of X-ray detectors 911, 912, and913 and the plurality of mounts 941 and 942 will be omitted,descriptions below will focus on differences between the plurality ofX-ray detectors 911, 912, and 913 and the plurality of X-ray detectors411, 412, and 413 and differences between the plurality of mounts 941and 942 and the plurality of mounts 431 and 432 shown in FIG. 4.

The plurality of X-ray detectors 911, 912, and 913 may include lightemitting elements 921, 922, and 923 and communicators 931, 932, and 933,respectively. The communicators 931, 932, and 933 may transmitidentification information regarding the plurality of X-ray detectors911, 912, and 913 to the workstation 970. Each of the communicators 931,932, and 933 may include one or more components that enablecommunication with an external device and the workstation 970. Forexample, each of the communicators 931, 932, and 933 may include atleast one of a short-range communication module, a wired communicationmodule, and a wireless communication module. For example, theidentification information may include unique information including atleast one of a MAC address, an internet protocol (IP) address, and aserial number of each of a plurality of X-ray detectors 911, 912 and 913and specification information including at least one of informationregarding respective sizes of the plurality of X-ray detectors 911, 912,and 913 and information regarding types of mounts to which the pluralityof X-ray detectors 911, 912, and 913 may be mounted. According to anembodiment of the present disclosure, the communicators 931, 932, and933 may transmit positional information regarding the plurality of X-raydetectors 911, 912, and 913 to the workstation 970 in addition to theunique information and the specification information.

For example, the communicator 931 included in the first X-ray detector911 may transmit identification information including the MAC address orthe IP address of the first X-ray detector 911 to the workstation 970.The communicator 933 included in the third X-ray detector 913, which isnot mounted in any one of the first mount 941 and the second mount 942,may transmit the identification information and the positionalinformation regarding the third X-ray detector 913 to the workstation970.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the communicators931, 932, and 933 may receive information regarding colors of lightrespectively assigned to the plurality of X-ray detectors 911, 912, and913 from the workstation 970.

Communicators 961 and 962 respectively included in the plurality ofmounts 941 and 942 may transmit information regarding colors of lightsensed by the light detectors 951 and 952 to the workstation 970. In anembodiment, the light detector 951 included in the first mount 941 maydetect color of light emitted by the first light emitting element 921 ofthe first X-ray detector 911 mounted to the first mount 941, and thecommunicator 961 may transmit information regarding the sensed color ofthe light to a communicator 972 of the workstation 970. In the sameregard, the light detector 952 included in the second mount 942 maysense color of light emitted by the first light emitting element 922 ofthe second X-ray detector 912 mounted to the second mount 942, and thecontroller 974 may transmit information regarding the sensed color ofthe light to the communicator 972 of the workstation 970.

The workstation 970 may include the communicator 972, a controller 974,a display 976, and a user input unit 978.

The communicator 972 may receive identification information regardingeach of the plurality of X-ray detectors 911, 912, and 913 from thecommunicators 931, 932, and 933 respectively included in the pluralityof X-ray detectors 911, 912, and 913. Furthermore, the communicator 972may receive information regarding colors of light sensed by the lightdetectors 951 and 952 included in the plurality of mounts 941 and 942from the communicators 961 and 962 included in the plurality of mounts941 and 942. The communicator 972 may include one or more componentscapable of transmitting and receiving data via a wire or wirelessly withthe plurality of X-ray detectors 911, 912, and 913 and the plurality ofmounts 941 and 942. For example, the communicator 972 may perform datacommunication with the plurality of X-ray detectors 911, 912, and 913and the plurality of mounts 941 and 942 by using at least one of acommunication techniques including wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth,ZigBee, Wi-Fi Direct, infrared data association (IrDA), Bluetooth lowenergy (BLE), near field communication (NFC), wireless broadbandinternet (WiBro), world interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX),shared wireless access protocol (SWAP), wireless gigabit alliance(WiGig), and a RF communication technique. However, the presentdisclosure is not limited thereto.

Since the controller 974 is identical to the controller 452 shown inFIG. 4, detailed description thereof will be omitted. However, in theembodiment shown in FIG. 9, the controller 974 may assign differentcolors of light to the plurality of X-ray detectors 911, 912, and 913based on identification information regarding the plurality of X-raydetectors 911, 912, and 913 received by the communicator 972,respectively. For example, the controller 974 may assign red light tothe identification information regarding the first X-ray detector 911,assign yellow light to the identification information regarding thesecond X-ray detector 912, and assign blue light to the identificationinformation regarding the third X-ray detector 913. According to anembodiment of the present disclosure, the communicator 972 may transmitinformation regarding assigned colors of light to the communicators 931,932, and 933 included in the plurality of X-ray detectors 911, 912, and913, respectively.

The display 976 may display positional information regarding each of theplurality of X-ray detectors 911, 912 and 913 obtained by the controller974 in the form of a user interface including at least one of letters,numbers, symbols, colors, and images. Since the display 976 is identicalto the display 454 shown in FIG. 4, detailed description thereof will beomitted.

The user input unit 978 may receive a user input for selecting an scanmode for performing X-ray scanning by using a stand-type mount, atable-type mount, and a portable-type (not coupled with a mount). Theuser input unit 978 may include at least one of a control panel, atrackball, a mouse, and a keyboard, but is not limited thereto Accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure; the user input unit 978 maybe configured in the form of a touch screen coupled with the display976. When the user input unit 978 is configured as a touch screen, scanmode user interfaces corresponding to a stand-type mount, a table-typemount, and a portable-type is displayed on the touch screen, and theuser input unit 978 may receive a touch input of a user who selects anyone of displayed scan mode user interfaces.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 974may determine where any one of the plurality of X-ray detectors 911,912, and 913 is mounted to a mount corresponding to a scan mode selectedby a user input received by the user input unit 978 and determinewhether an X-ray scanning may be performed according to the selectedscan mode and the determination of whether a corresponding X-raydetector is mounted. Detailed description thereof will be given belowwith reference to FIG. 10. According to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the display 976 may display information determined by thecontroller 974 regarding whether an X-ray scanning may be performed inthe form of a user interface.

A user who uses the X-ray apparatus 900 may set different X-ray scanmodes according to scan protocols or types and locations of a targetobject. For example, an X-ray scanning may be performed by mounting anX-ray detector to a stand-type mount, an X-ray scanning may be performedby mounting an X-ray detector to a table-type mount, or an X-rayscanning may be performed by using an X-ray detector as a portable X-raydetector without mounting the same to any mount. The X-ray apparatus 900according to an embodiment may receive a user input for selecting anscan mode for X-ray scanning and, according to the selected scan mode,provides an intuitive user interface indicating a particular mounthaving mounted thereon a corresponding X-ray detector or, when thecorresponding X-ray detector operates as a portable X-ray detector,location of the portable X-ray detector, thereby improving userconvenience.

FIG. 10 illustrates a method by which an X-ray apparatus according to anembodiment provides positional information regarding a plurality ofX-ray detectors. The X-ray apparatus may include a plurality of X-raydetectors 1000, a light receiving element 1010 included in a mount, anda workstation 1020.

In operation S1010, the plurality of X-ray detectors 1000 transmitidentification information to the workstation 1020. According to anembodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of X-ray detectors1000 may transmit identification information regarding each of theplurality of the X-ray detectors 1000, e.g., at least one of a MACaddress, an IP address, and a serial number, to the workstation 1020.Furthermore, the plurality of X-ray detectors 1000 may transmitinformation regarding size of each of the plurality of X-ray detectors1000 and information regarding types of mounts to which the plurality ofX-ray detectors 1000 may be mounted, to the workstation 1020.

In operation S1020, the workstation 1020 allocates different lightcolors to the plurality of X-ray detectors 1000, respectively. Accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure, the workstation 1020 mayassign different light colors to the plurality of X-ray detectors 1000according to identification information received from the plurality ofX-ray detectors 1000, respectively.

In operation S1030, the workstation 1020 transmits information on theallocated light colors to the plurality of X-ray detectors 1000,respectively.

In operation S1040, the plurality of X-ray detectors 1000 emit light ofthe assigned colors. According to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, light emitting elements included in the plurality of X-raydetectors 1000 may emit light of different colors.

In operation S1050, the light receiving element 1010 detects colors oflight emitted by the light emitting elements respectively included inthe plurality of X-ray detectors 1000. According to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, each light receiving element 1010 may include alight color sensing sensor that senses the color of light emitted by thelight emitting element.

In operation S1060, the mount including the light receiving element 1010transmits information regarding color of sensed light to the workstation1020. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the mountmay include communicators 961 and 962 (refer to FIG. 9) as well as thelight receiving element 1010, and the communicators 961 and 962 maytransmit information regarding colors of light sensed by the lightdetector 1010 to the workstation 1020.

In operation S1070, the workstation 1020 recognizes positions of theplurality of X-ray detectors 1000. According to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the workstation 1020 may obtain positionalinformation regarding a particular mount to which a particular one ofthe plurality of X-ray detectors 1000 is mounted or the particular oneof the plurality of X-ray detectors 1000 is used as a portable X-raydetector without being mounted to any mount. According to an embodimentof the present disclosure, the workstation 1020 may recognize directionsin which the plurality of X-ray detectors 1000 is mounted to the mount,respectively.

FIG. 11A illustrates a diagram showing a workstation 1100 according toan embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 11B illustrates adiagram showing a user interface via which the workstation 1100 shown inFIG. 11A displays positional information regarding a plurality of X-raydetectors and information regarding directions in which the plurality ofX-ray detectors are mounted to a plurality of mounts.

Referring to FIG. 11A, the workstation 1100 includes a display 1110, andscan mode icons 1120 for receiving a user input for selecting a scanmode and a status information icon 1130 regarding an X-ray detector maybe displayed on the display 1110.

The scan mode icons 1120 may include a stand-type scanning icon 1121, atable-type scanning icon 1122, a portable-type scanning icon 1123, and amounted direction icon 1124. When a user selects the stand-type scanningicon 1121, the X-ray apparatus may recognize whether an X-ray detectoris mounted to a stand-type mount and determine whether X-ray scanningmay be performed according to the scanning mode selected by the user.According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, when the userselects the stand-type scanning icon 1121, the X-ray apparatus mayactivate an X-ray detector such that the X-ray detector may be mountedto a stand-type mount and used for X-ray scanning. Similarly, when auser input for selecting the table-type scanning icon 1122 is received,the X-ray apparatus may recognize whether an X-ray detector is mountedto a table-type mount and may determine whether X-ray scanning may beperformed according to the table-type scan mode selected by the user.When a user input for selecting the portable-type scanning icon 1123 isreceived, the X-ray apparatus may recognize whether the X-ray detectoris operated as a portable X-ray detector without being mounted to any ofthe stand-type mount and the table-type mount and determine whetherX-ray scanning may be performed according to the portable-type scan modeselected by the user. The mounted direction icon 1124 may displayinformation regarding a direction in which an X-ray detector is mountedwhen the X-ray detector is mounted to the stand-type mount or thetable-type mount.

The status information icon 1130 regarding an X-ray detector may bedisplayed on a taskbar of the display 1110. The status information icon1130 regarding an X-ray detector may display color of light emitted by alight emitting element included in a corresponding X-ray detector andcurrent positional information regarding the corresponding X-raydetector. The status information icon 1130 may also displayidentification information regarding the corresponding X-ray detectorand information regarding a current status of the corresponding X-raydetector.

Referring to FIG. 11B, the status information icon 1130 regarding anX-ray detector includes a first icon 1131 for displaying positionalinformation regarding a corresponding X-ray detector and color of lightemitted by the corresponding X-ray detector, a second icon 1132indicating that the corresponding X-ray detector is a wireless detector,a third icon 1133 indicating information regarding communicationsensitivity of the corresponding X-ray detector, and a fourth icon 1134indicating information regarding remaining battery level of thecorresponding X-ray detector.

The first icon 1131 may display positional information regarding anX-ray detector and color of light emitted by a light emitting elementincluded in the X-ray detector. For example, referring to FIG. 11B, thefirst icon 1131 may display a letter “S” indicating that a current X-raydetector is mounted to a stand-type mount on a red background indicatingthat a light emitting element included in the current X-ray detectoremits red light. According to another embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the first icon 1131 may display a letter “T” indicating thata current X-ray detector is mounted to a table-type mount on a yellowbackground indicating that a light emitting element included in thecurrent X-ray detector emits yellow light. When the X-ray detector isnot mounted to any of the stand-type mount and the table-type mount andis operated as a portable X-ray detector, the first icon 1131 maydisplay the letter “P”.

The second icon 1132, the third icon 1133, and the fourth icon 1134 maybe displayed as sub icons indicating current states of an X-raydetector.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the X-ray apparatus maydisplay the status information icon 1130 regarding an X-ray detector onthe display 1110 of the workstation 1100. Therefore, since a user maysimply rapidly refer to positional information regarding the X-raydetector, color of light emitted by the X-ray detector, and the stateinformation regarding the X-ray detector, the X-ray detector may bemanaged and controlled more efficiently.

FIGS. 12A through 12D illustrate diagrams for describing a method bywhich an X-ray detector according to an embodiment determines whetherX-ray scanning may be performed according to a scan mode selected basedon a user input.

Referring to FIG. 12A, the X-ray apparatus may display a user interface1210 including a stand-type scan mode icon 1211, a table-type scan modeicon 1212, and a portable-type scan mode icon 1213 and may receive auser input for selecting any one of a stand-up type scan mode, atable-type scan mode, and a portable-type scan mode via the userinterface 1210. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12A, the X-ray apparatusmay receive a user input for selecting the stand-type scan mode icon1211. The X-ray apparatus may determine whether an X-ray detector 1220is mounted to a stand-type mount 1230 according to the stand-type scanmode selected by a user. Since the method by which the an X-rayapparatus obtains current positional information regarding the X-raydetector 1220 is described with reference to FIGS. 4 through 8, detaileddescription thereof will be omitted.

An X-ray apparatus may determine whether X-ray scanning may be performedaccording to a scan mode selected based on a user input, based on thecurrent position of the X-ray detector 1220. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 12A, the X-ray apparatus may determine whether the X-ray detector1220 is currently mounted to the stand-type mount 1230 and determinethat X-ray scanning may be performed according to the stand-type scanmode selected based on the user input.

The X-ray apparatus may display information regarding the determinedX-ray scanning possibility in the form of a user interface 1210A. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 12A, the X-ray apparatus may display a scanningpossible icon 1240.

Referring to FIG. 12B, an X-ray apparatus displays the user interface1210 including the stand-type scan mode icon 1211, the table-type scanmode icon 1212, and the portable-type scan mode icon 1213 according toFIG. 12A and may receive a user input for selecting one of a stand-uptype scan mode, a table-type scan mode, and a portable-type scan modevia the displayed user interface 1210. In the embodiment shown in FIG.12B, the X-ray apparatus may receive a user input for selecting thetable-type scan mode icon 1212. The X-ray apparatus may determinewhether the X-ray detector 1220 is mounted to a table-type mountaccording to the table-type scan mode selected based on the user input.

The X-ray apparatus may determine that the currently sensed position ofthe X-ray detector 1220 is the stand-type mount 1230 instead of thetable-type mount. Therefore, the X-ray apparatus may determine whetherX-ray scanning may be performed according to the scan mode selectedbased on a user input, that is, the table-type scan mode, based on thecurrent position and the mounting direction of the X-ray detector 1220.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12B, the X-ray apparatus may determinethat the X-ray detector 1220 is currently mounted to the stand-typemount 1230 and determine that X-ray scanning may not be performedaccording to the table-type scan mode selected based on the user input.

The X-ray apparatus may display a user interface 1210B that includes ascanning impossible icon 1250.

Referring to FIG. 12C, the X-ray apparatus may receive a user input forselecting the table-type scan mode icon 1212 via the user interface 1210and, according to the table-type scan mode selected based on thereceived user input, may determine the current position of the X-raydetector 1220. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, theX-ray apparatus may determine whether the X-ray detector 1220 is mountedto a table-type mount 1232.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12C, the X-ray apparatus determines thatthe currently sensed position of the X-ray detector 1220 is thetable-type mount 1232 and X-ray scanning may be performed according tothe table-type scan mode selected based on the user input. In thisexample, the X-ray apparatus may display the scanning possible icon 1240on a user interface 1210C.

Referring to FIG. 12D, the X-ray apparatus may receive a user input forselecting the portable-type scan mode icon 1213 via the user interface1210 and, according to the portable-type scan mode selected based on thereceived user input, may determine the current position of the X-raydetector 1220. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, theX-ray apparatus may determine whether the X-ray detector 1220 is mountedto neither the stand-type mount 1230 (refer to FIGS. 12A and 12B) northe table-type mount 1232.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12D, the X-ray detector 1220 may bemounted to the table-type mount 1232. Therefore, the X-ray apparatus maydetermine that the X-ray scanning may not be performed according to theportable scan mode selected based on the user input and display thescanning impossible icon 1250 on a user interface 1210D.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12A through 12D, the X-ray apparatusdisplays whether the X-ray scanning may be performed according to a scanmode selected based on a user input by using the scanning possible icon1240 or the scanning impossible icon 1250, thereby reducing effort of auser to determine a current position and a mounting direction of theX-ray detector 1220 and improving user convenience.

FIG. 13 illustrates a method by which an X-ray detector according to anembodiment determines whether X-ray scanning may be performed accordingto a scan mode selected based on a user input.

In operation S1310, the X-ray apparatus receives a user input forselecting a scan mode. According to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, a workstation included in the X-ray apparatus may displayscan mode icons for receiving a user input for selecting a scan mode.The scan mode icon may include a stand-type scanning icon, a table-typescanning icon, a portable-type scanning icon, and a mounted directionicon.

In operation S1320, the X-ray apparatus determines whether an X-raydetector is mounted to a mount according to a selected scan mode.According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the X-rayapparatus receives a user input for selecting the stand-type scanningicon, the X-ray apparatus may determine whether the X-ray detector ismounted to a stand-type mount. Since the method by which the X-raydetector obtains positional information regarding a plurality of X-raydetectors is described above with reference to FIGS. 4 through 8,detailed description thereof will be omitted.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the X-rayapparatus determines a direction in which an X-ray detector is mountedto a mount and displays information regarding the determined mounteddirection with an icon including at least one of letters, numbers,symbols, and images.

In operation S1330, the X-ray apparatus determines whether X-rayscanning may be performed according to a scan mode selected based on auser input. For example, when the X-ray apparatus receives a user inputfor selecting the stand-type scan mode, the X-ray apparatus determineswhether an X-ray detector is mounted to a stand-type mount according tothe selected stand-type scan mode and determines whether X-ray scanningmay be performed according to the selected stand-type scan mode.

When it is determined in operation S1340 that X-ray scanning may beperformed according to the scan mode selected based on the user input(YES), the X-ray apparatus displays a scanning possible user interface.According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the workstationincluded in the X-ray apparatus may display a scanning possible iconindicating that X-ray photography may be performed according to the scanmode selected by the user input.

In operation S1350, the X-ray apparatus irradiates an X-ray to the X-raydetector mounted to the mount corresponding to the selected scan mode,thereby performing X-ray scanning.

When it is determined in operation S1360 that the X-ray scanning may notbe performed according to the scan mode selected based on the user input(NO), the X-ray apparatus displays a scanning impossible user interface.According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the workstationincluded in the X-ray apparatus may display a scanning impossible iconindicating that the X-ray scanning may not be performed according to thescan mode selected based on the user input.

FIG. 14 illustrates a method of mounting an X-ray detector 1400 to amount 1410, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 14, the X-ray detector 1400 may include a lightemitting element 1401 and a reflective member 1402, and a mount 1410 mayinclude a light color sensor 1411 and a light intensity sensor 1412.

The light emitting element 1401 may emit light of a certain colorassigned to the X-ray detector 1400. The light emitting element 1401 mayinclude at least one of, for example, a light emitting diode, asemiconductor laser, and a solid state laser. According to an embodimentof the present disclosure, the light emitting element 1401 may emitlight of a color assigned by the workstation.

The reflective member 1402 may include a material having a materialproperty of reflecting light. The reflective member 1402 may reflectlight emitted by the light intensity sensor 1412 back toward the lightintensity sensor 1412 through total reflection. The reflective member1402 may include at least one of, for example, transparent plastic,ceramic, and transparent glass, but is not limited thereto. According toan embodiment of the present disclosure, the reflective member 1402 mayinclude a metal having a reflective material property of reflectinglight, that is, at least one of gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), andaluminum (Al). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the reflectivemember 1402 may include a reflective sticker that changes wavelength ofreflected light.

The light color sensor 1411 may be disposed in the mount 1410. AlthoughFIG. 14 shows the one light color sensor 1411, it is merely forconvenience of explanation, and a plurality of light color sensors 1411may be disposed in the mount 1410. The light color sensor 1411 may sensewavelength of light emitted by the light emitting element 1401 anddetect color of the light according to the sensed wavelength of thelight.

The light intensity sensor 1412 may be disposed adjacent to the lightcolor sensor 1411 in the mount 1410. The light intensity sensor 1412 mayinclude a light emitting element that emits light. Light emitted by thelight intensity sensor 1412 may be reflected by the reflective member1402 included in the X-ray detector 1400 and then reflected back towardthe light intensity sensor 1412. The light intensity sensor 1412 maysense intensity of the light reflected by the reflective member 1402.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the mount 1410 to which the X-raydetector 1400 is mounted may sense color of light emitted by the lightemitting element 1401 of the X-ray detector 1400 via the light colorsensor 1411 and may sense intensity of light reflected by the reflectivemember 1402 of the X-ray detector 1400 via the light intensity sensor1412. The mount 1410 may recognize identification information regardingthe X-ray detector 1400 that emits light of a particular color bysensing wavelength of light emitted by the X-ray detector 1400 andrecognize a direction in which the X-ray detector 1400 is mounted to themount 1410 based on intensity of light reflected by the X-ray detector1400.

Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be embodied in the form of acomputer-readable recording medium storing instructions and dataexecutable by a computer. The command may be stored in the form ofprogram code, and, when executed by the processor, may generate acertain program module to perform a certain operation. Furthermore, whenexecuted by a processor, the instructions may perform certain operationsof the disclosed embodiments.

It should be understood that embodiments described herein should beconsidered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each embodimentshould typically be considered as available for other similar featuresor aspects in other embodiments.

Although the present disclosure has been described with an exemplaryembodiment, various changes and modifications may be suggested to oneskilled in the art. It is intended that the present disclosure encompasssuch changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An X-ray apparatus comprising: a plurality ofX-ray detectors; a plurality of mounts to which the plurality of X-raydetectors are mounted, wherein the plurality of X-ray detectors compriselight emitting elements configured to emit light of colors differentfrom one another, and wherein the plurality of mounts comprise aplurality of light detectors configured to sense colors of light emittedby the light emitting elements and disposed apart from one another; anda workstation comprising a controller configured to obtain positionalinformation regarding the plurality of X-ray detectors based on colorsof light sensed by the light detectors respectively included in theplurality of mounts.
 2. The X-ray apparatus of claim 1, wherein thelight emitting elements comprise light emitting diodes (LED) and arerespectively arranged on first sides of the plurality of X-raydetectors.
 3. The X-ray apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofmounts comprise a stand-type mount or a table-type mount, and thecontroller is configured to obtain information regarding at least one ofa position of a first X-ray detector mounted to the stand-type mount, aposition of a second X-ray detector mounted to the table-type mount, anda position of a third X-ray detector mounted to neither the stand-typemount nor the table-type mount.
 4. The X-ray apparatus of claim 1,wherein the workstation further comprises a display configured todisplay positional information regarding the plurality of X-raydetectors on a user interface (UI), the user interface comprising atleast one of letters, numbers, symbols, colors, and images.
 5. The X-rayapparatus of claim 4, wherein the workstation further comprises a userinput unit configured to receive a user input for selecting a scan modefor performing X-ray scanning using any one of a stand-type mount, atable-type mount, and a portable type X-ray detector, and the controlleris configured to recognize a position of an X-ray detector, the positionindicating whether the X-ray detector is mounted to a mount according tothe scan mode selected based on the user input, and to determine apossibility as to whether it is possible to perform X-ray photographingaccording to the scan mode selected based on the user input, based onthe recognized position of the X-ray detector.
 6. The X-ray apparatus ofclaim 5, wherein the display is configured to display informationindicating the determined possibility via the user interface.
 7. TheX-ray apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of X-raydetectors further comprises a communicator configured to transmitidentification information regarding each of the plurality of X-raydetectors to the workstation, and the identification informationcomprises at least one of unique information including at least one ofMAC addresses and serial numbers of the plurality of X-ray detectors andspecification information including at least one of sizes of theplurality of X-ray detectors and types of mounts for mounting theplurality of X-ray detectors.
 8. The X-ray apparatus of claim 7, whereinthe workstation further comprises a communicator configured to receiveidentification information from each of the plurality of X-raydetectors, and the controller is configured to assign different colorsof light to each of the plurality of X-ray detectors according to theidentification information.
 9. The X-ray apparatus of claim 8, whereinthe communicator is configured to transmit information regarding theassigned colors of light to each of the plurality of X-ray detectors,and the light emitting elements included in the plurality of X-raydetectors are each configured to emit light of colors according to theinformation regarding the assigned colors of light transmitted from theworkstation.
 10. The X-ray apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pluralityof light detectors are each configured to sense an intensity of lightemitted by the light emitting elements, and based on intensity of lightsensed by a first light receiving element disposed at a location to facea first side of a first X-ray detector mounted to a first mount fromamong the plurality of light detectors included in the first mount, thecontroller is configured to obtain information regarding a direction inwhich the first X-ray detector is mounted to the first mount.
 11. TheX-ray apparatus of claim 10, wherein the controller is configured toobtain mounting direction information indicating whether the first X-raydetector is mounted to the first mount in a direction of a landscapeorientation or a portrait orientation.
 12. The X-ray apparatus of claim1, wherein each of the plurality of X-ray detectors further comprises areflective member that is disposed adjacent to the light emittingelement, the plurality of mounts further comprise a plurality of lightsources that are respectively disposed adjacent to the plurality oflight detectors and configured to emit light, and the controller isconfigured to obtain information regarding an intensity of light emittedby a plurality of light sources included in a first mount from among theplurality of light sources and reflected by the reflective memberdisposed on a first side of a first X-ray detector mounted to the firstmount from a light sensor of the first mount and to recognize adirection in which the first X-ray detector is mounted to the firstmount based on the information regarding the intensity of the light. 13.A method of operating an X-ray apparatus, the X-ray apparatus comprisinga plurality of X-ray detectors, a plurality of mounts to which theplurality of X-ray detectors are mounted, and a work station, the methodcomprising: receiving information regarding colors of light emitted by aplurality of light emitting elements respectively included in theplurality of X-ray detectors from a plurality of light detectorsrespectively included in the plurality of mounts; obtaining positionalinformation regarding the plurality of X-ray detectors based on thereceived information regarding the colors of light; and displaying thepositional information regarding the plurality of X-ray detectors in auser interface (UI) comprising at least one of letters, numbers,symbols, colors, and images.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein theplurality of mounts comprise a stand-type mount or a table-type mount,and the obtaining of the positional information regarding the pluralityof X-ray detectors comprises obtaining information regarding at leastone of a position of a first X-ray detector mounted to the stand-typemount, a position of a second X-ray detector mounted to the table-typemount, and a position of a third X-ray detector mounted to neither thestand-type mount nor the table-type mount.
 15. The method of claim 13,further comprising: receiving a user input for selecting a scan mode forperforming X-ray scanning using any one of a stand-type mount, atable-type mount, and a portable type X-ray detector; recognizing aposition of an X-ray detector, the position indicating whether the X-raydetector is mounted to a mount according to the scan mode selected basedon the user input; and determining a scan possibility as to whether itis possible to perform X-ray scanning according to the scan modeselected based on the user input, based on the recognized position ofthe X-ray detector.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprisingdisplaying information indicating the determined scan possibility viathe user interface.
 17. The method of claim 13, further comprisingreceiving identification information regarding each of the plurality ofX-ray detectors from the plurality of X-ray detectors, wherein theidentification information comprises at least one of unique informationincluding at least one of MAC addresses and serial numbers of theplurality of X-ray detectors and specification information including atleast one of sizes of the plurality of X-ray detectors and types ofmounts for mounting the plurality of X-ray detectors.
 18. The method ofclaim 17, further comprising assigning different colors of light to eachthe plurality of X-ray detectors according to the identificationinformation; and transmitting information regarding the assigned colorsof light to each of the plurality of X-ray detectors.
 19. The method ofclaim 13, further comprising: sensing an intensity of light emitted bythe light emitting elements; and based on the sensed intensity of light,obtaining information regarding directions in which the plurality ofX-ray detectors are mounted to the plurality of mounts.
 20. Anon-transitory computer readable recording medium comprising a computerprogram for operating an X-ray apparatus, the X-ray apparatus comprisinga plurality of X-ray detectors, a plurality of mounts to which theplurality of X-ray detectors are mounted, and a work station, thecomputer program causing at least one processing device to: receiveinformation regarding colors of light emitted by a plurality of lightemitting elements respectively included in the plurality of X-raydetectors from a plurality of light detectors respectively included inthe plurality of mounts; obtain positional information regarding theplurality of X-ray detectors based on the received information regardingthe colors of light; and display the positional information regardingthe plurality of X-ray detectors in a user interface (UI) comprising atleast one of letters, numbers, symbols, colors, and images.